STEAM BASED FAUX FIREPLACE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to faux fireplaces that generate realistic faux flames for homes, apartments and other confined locations.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Faux fireplaces are commonly used in personal homes, condominiums, apartments and the like to generate a faux (synthetic or simulated) flame when a real wood burning fireplace is not allowable or preferred. Typical faux fireplaces include electric and gas burning fireplaces. Steam based faux fireplaces are known from GB2460453. GB2436212 describes apparatus for providing a simulated fire effect using an ultrasonic transducer to generate water vapour.

[0003] This disclosure includes a faux steam-based fireplace designed to eliminate the challenges and disadvantages commonly associated with gas fireplaces without compromising the realism of the flames. There are two primary disadvanges with gas fireplaces: 1) installation restrictions (must have an available gas line and the particular location is limited subject to venting requirements) and 2) high heat produced by burning gas where heating is not needed or even desired. The steam fireplace of this disclosure delivers a 3-dimensional natural random flame appearance similar to a gas fireplace, but without the installation restrictions and heat issues.

SUMMARY

[0004] The invention provides a steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 1. A steam-based faux fireplace comprising a boiler configured to receive a fluid and generate steam, and a manifold configured to receive the steam from the boiler and emit the steam to generate a steam plume at an output. The manifold has a conduit configured to receive fluid from a reservoir and route the fluid about the manifold to heat the fluid before being routed to the boiler. The manifold is already heated due to the emitted steam. This configuration pre-heats the fluid before being presented to the boiler, allowing a smaller low power boiler to be used because the manifold acts as a fluid pre-heater. A very realistic faux flame with a significant length is generated from the low power boiler. In addition, the manifold includes a deflector configured to receive the impinging steam from the output, causing the steam to lose some energy and billow about the deflector and then illuminated to create a realistically looking flame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] 

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective front view of the faux fireplace;

Figure 2A and 2B illustrate a side perspective view of the faux fireplace of Figure 1 with the end wall and glass face removed;

Figure 3 illustrates a partial view of the boiler, reservoir and conduits extending to and from the manifold;

Figure 4 illustrates an orifice;

Figure 5 illustrates an end view of the manifold and light bar;

Figure 6 illustrates the steam energy deflector and lip;

Figure 7 illustrates steam impinging upon the steam energy deflector causing deflected steam to billow below and around the lip;

Figure 8 illustrates the boiler;

Figure 9A-1, 9A-2, and 9B illustrate the control electronics coupled to the system;

Figure 10A and 10B illustrates an operational flow chart of the algorithm operating the faux fireplace;

Figure 11 illustrates the user interface; and

Figure 12 illustrates the remote control buttons and LEDs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The faux fireplace according to this disclosure is a viable alternative to both gas and electric fireplaces with the following marketplace advantages:
Much more realistic faux flames in comparison to electric fireplaces.

[0007] Improved Safety - eliminates injury from heat, burns, fumes and gas leaks.

[0008] Location Flexibility - can be placed anywhere, as no venting or duct-work is required. The fireplace doesn't require an access route to a roof or outside wall as a gas fireplace does.

[0009] TV Safe - One of the most popular fireplace installations is below a flat screen TV. However, gas fireplaces produce heat that shortens the life of the TV. The faux firplace of this disclosure produces no such damaging heat.

[0010] Eco-friendly - Steam-based technology uses electricity and water instead of directly burning natural gas or propane, so it is perceived as better for the environment having no direct carbon emissions that gas fireplaces have.

[0011] Lower Upfront Cost - 50% - 70% of the cost of a comparable gas fireplaces.

[0012] Lower Ongoing Operational Cost - it costs less to use on a daily basis that burning gas or propane.

[0013] Figure 1, and Figure 2A depict the steam based self-contained faux fireplace at 10. Fireplace 10 is seen to have a generally elongated and rectangular housing 12 including a cavity 14 including a manifold 16 configured to generate a steam based illuminated faux flame. The manifold 16 is situated in the bottom of the cavity 14, and is fed steam by a boiler unit 18 disposed in one end of the fireplace 10 as shown. The boiler unit 18 has a low power boiler 20 controlled by control electronics 22. Control electronics 22 includes a circuit board in boiler unit 18. and a main circuit board as shown (see Figure 9A-1 and 9A-2). The boiler 20 is a small pressure vessel configured to efficiently produce steam under computer controlled settings, and has reduced power requirements and water consumption. Details of the steam generation system and control electronics are shown in Figure 9A-1 and 9A-2, and will be described in additional detail shortly.

[0014] The fireplace 10 has a vent assembly 24 at the top of the cavity 14 and configured to selectively vent moisture from within the cavity 14. The vent assembly has a pair of fans 26 configured to draw moisture from above the manifold 16 and an outlet 28 thereover configured to vent the drawn moisture to the ambient. The fireplace 10 has a retractable glass panel 30 extending across a front side opening of housing 12, and which glass panel 30 can be retracted upward and into the cavity 14 like a garage door upon railings 31 formed in opposing sidewalls 32 to allow access to the manifold 16 and the control electronics 22. A rear panel 17 of housing 12 can comprise a solid panel comprised of metal or the like, and may include another glass panel if it is desired to have a see-through fireplace 10. A removable interior panel 19 allows access to the boiler unit 18 and boiler 20, control electronics 22, conduits, a water filter, water pump, and other features from within cavity 14.

[0015] Referring to Figure 3, the fireplace 10 has a water reservoir 40 formed in the bottom of the housing 12 under the manifold 16 configured to hold water. A water pump 42 is configured to controllably draw water from the reservoir 40 via a flexible conduit 44 comprising tubing. A water level sensor 43 is positioned in reservoir 40 and provides water level information to control electronics 22 (Figure 9A-1 and 9A-2, 9B). A replaceable water filter 45 may be in line with conduit 44 to filter particulates from the water, as shown in Figure 9A-1 and 9A-2 and Figure 9B.

[0016] Advantageously, a conduit 47 routes the drawn water from pump 42 to a first conduit 46 that is integrally and rigidly formed in the elongated manifold 16 along the length of the manifold on a near side. This causes the water in the conduit 46 to heat up by the heated steam emitted by the manifold 16, as will be discussed shortly. As shown in Figure 5, a flexible conduit 50 receives the partially heated water at the far end of conduit 46, and routes the partially heated water back to a second conduit 52 that is also integrally formed in the elongated manifold 16 and extending along a back and lower side of the manifold 16. This causes the water to be further heated by the steam emitted by the manifold 16. As shown in Figure 3, a flexible conduit 54 receives the heated water, and routes the heated water via a check valve 56 to the boiler 20. The check valve 56 is configured to prevent water returning to the reservoir and maintain steam pressure in the boiler 20. The unique routing of the water from the pump 42 along both sides of the manifold forms a pre-heater that heats the water before the water is boiled in the boiler 20. This configuration reclaims steam energy from the emission used for the faux flame effect. The reclaimed heat increases efficiency, allowing a smaller, efficient boiler 20 to be used as less energy is required to heat the pre-heated water to a boiling temperature of 100 - 130 degrees C, depending on the boiler pressure setting. The boiler can be operated on standard 120 VAC, 20 amps as opposed to 240 VAC drawing larger current, and which is not readily available in homes, apartments and the like. The total power load of fireplace 10 at any given point in time does not exceed 1920 Watts at 120 VAC, or 1760 Watts at 110 VAC. The heated water is provided to the inlet of boiler 20 at a consistent temperature, thus minimizing temperature shock when water is added to the boiler 20. Without this feature, cold water provided to the boiler 20 shocks the boiler 20, knocking down the flame effect provided by manifold 16. Advantageously, this pre-heating provides a more consistent flame effect despite variations in water supply temperature.

[0017] The boiler 20 is configured to route the boiled water to a manifold feeder conduit 60 via a flexible conduit 62 and an in-line orifice 64. As shown in Figure 4, the orifice 64 is configure to regulate and maintain a volume of steam delivered by the boiler 20, and causes the steam to be released at a higher velocity downstream. A larger orifice 64 having a larger opening is used when fireplace 10 operating in higher ambient temperatures, and an orifice with a smaller opening is used when operating fireplace 10 in colder ambient temperatures to generate a superior faux flame effect across varying temperatures. In one embodiment, the orifice 64 can comprise a variable opening orifice controllable by control electronics 22.

[0018] Advantageously, the manifold feeder conduit 60 and conduit 62 are angled slightly downward from the boiler 20 to a t-shaped connector 65 feeding a pair of steam distribution conduits 76. The angled conduit 62 directs any liquid in the conduit 62 downwardly such that liquid does not puddle in the conduits 60 and 62. Otherwise, liquid in these conduits could make undesirable sounds, such as a sound imitating a sparking sound.

[0019] Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 7, a detailed description of the manifold 16 will be provided. A vertical cross section of manifold 16 is shown in Figure 6, illustrating the manifold 16 having an upper curved interior surface 70 formed over a manifold cavity 72, and extending to a lip 74. As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2A and Figure 7, the pair of steam distribution conduits 76 are configured to loop around the manifold 16 and then extend down the middle of cavity 72, having a plurality of openings 77 configured to release and direct steam upwardly to impinge against the curved interior surface 70. Each conduit 76 terminates proximate the other in the middle of manifold 16. This curved interior surface 70 advantageously causes the impinging steam to deflect and lose some energy and velocity, and the deflected steam billows outwardly, around lip 74, upwardly. This billowing steam is then illuminated by a light source 78 to create a very realistic faux flame 79 in 3 dimensions. The light source may be a high intensity white LED light strip with LEDs positioned under a curved lens 84 and arranged to shine through color gel filters, or alternately, may be a multi-colored LED light strip having longitudinally extending orange LED lights 80 and red LED lights 82 positioned under the curved lens 84. A plurality of disc-like separators 86 are disposed about conduit 76 along the length of conduit 76, and are spaced to form adjacent pockets within manifold 16 to create a generally uniform release of steam along the length of the manifold 16. Any moisture that returns to the liquid state drips back into reservoir 40, to create a self-draining steam delivery network. As previously discussed, the billowing steam emitted by the manifold 16 preheats the water circulating though integral conduits 46 and 52, thereby using reclaimed steam energy from steam emission used for the faux flame effect. The reclaimed heat increases efficiency, thus enabling a lower power solution operable from 120 VAC instead of 240 VAC.

[0020] The light source 78 requires approximately 30 Watts. Fire bed media may be provided over manifold 16, and may include fire bed illumination. The fire bed illumination may include user adjustable RGB LED lighting for special effects illumination of the fire bed media. The fire bed lighting functions regardless of whether the fireplace 10 is on or off, to allow use as mood/ambience lighting. Fire bed media shall be lit completely and evenly in front and along both sides of the faux flame. No lighting is provided for the media bed area behind the faux flame 79. The LED light 78 running the length of the front and sides of the faux flame 79 provides the necessary illumination. Faux logs may be placed on top of the fire bed media, and/or over the manifold 16. Faux log lighting may be provided operating at approximately 5 Watts. Firmware controls automatically vary the intensity of the faux log lighting per a control algorithm to generate a realistic "glowing" effect when the faux flame 79 is active.

[0021] The control electronics 22 determines the steam pressure in boiler 20 by first sensing the temperature of the boiler 20 housing using temperature sensor 85. The control electronics 22 includes memory storing a table correlating the sensed boiler housing temperature to a calculated steam pressure in the boiler 20. Using the Ideal Gas Law, PV=nRT, the boiler steam pressure P is directly proportional to the steam/boiler housing temperature T. The table associates a measured housing temperature T to calculated steam pressure P.

[0022] Boiler unit 18 has a boiler auto-fill mechanism. The control electronics 22 on the steam subsystem circuit board 90 (Figure 9A) utilizes a water level sensor to inject varying quantities of water into the boiler 20, via commands to the pump 42, minimizing the shock to the boiler 20 and thus maintaining a consistent faux flame 79 effect. Volume and timing of water injection into boiler 20 is determined based on calculated steam emission rate and the timing of the power applied to the boiler 20.

[0023] Referring to Figure 8, a purge valve 86 is coupled to a bottom of the boiler 20, and is configured to purge water and steam from the boiler 20 upon receipt of a purge signal received from control electronics 22. The purge valve 86 may be a solenoid driven valve, although other types of controllable valves are acceptable. Advantageously, the purge valve 86 remove any particulates, such as sediment, that may build up on the bottom of the boiler 20 due to the violent release of water and steam and the reduction of pressure. This advantageously extends the mean time between failure (MTBF) of the boiler 20. The purge valve 86 also helps shut down the boiler quickly when controlled by the control electronics 22, and complete a shut down cycle.

[0024] Referring now to Figure 9A-1 and 9A-2, and 9B, control electronics 22 is seen to comprise a steam subsystem circuit board 90 controlling the boiler unit 18 including boiler 20, and a main controller board 92 including a microcontroller 94 that controls fireplace 10, including the circuit board 90 via communications interface 96. The control electronics 22 controls various functions of the fireplace 10, and has a hardwired user interface 98 including a keypad and a display coupled to the control electronics 22 allowing a user to select functions and control the fireplace 10. A wireless remote control 100 (Figure 2B and Figure 9B) is configured to communicate with the microcontroller 94 via an infrared (IR) transceivers 102. The microcontroller 94 monitors fireplace 10 in real-time. The main controller (MC) circuit board 92 implements the user interface 98, supervisory functions, and wireless connectivity functions for the fireplace. The total power available to MC circuit board 92 is approximately 5 Watts, and includes sufficient non-volatile memory to allow saving of user settings. The MC circuit board 92 includes a real-time clock (RTC) function that allows tracking of accumulated runtime hours and water filter replacement scheduling.

[0025] Microcontroller 94 controls the height of the faux flame 79 via circuit board 90 by sensing the housing temperature T of boiler 20 using thermostat 85 and controlling the power delivered to heater coils 104 formed in the bottom of the boiler 20 via conductors 106. The power is regulated by microcontroller 94 to vary pressure in the boiler 20, and thus the height of the faux flame 79. A preferred method is based on zero cross switching. More power creates higher boiler pressure and a higher faux flame 79, and less power creates a lower boiler pressure and a lower faux flame 79. Typical boiler operating pressures range between about 8-30 psi, and typically no greater than 25 psi. The user uses the user interface 98 or remote control 100 to command the microcontroller 94 to vary faux flame 79 height. The fans 26 create some upwardly directed air flow to help keep moisture from accumulating on the glass panel 30, even at the highest faux flame 79 level.

[0026] Microcontroller 94 provides autosensing for automatic control and adjustment of the faux flame 79. Microcontroller 94 senses major variables that affect the quality of the faux flame 79, including ambient temperature via temperature probe 110, ambient humidity, and manifold temperature. The real-time microcontroller 94 provides for automatic adjustment of the pressurized boiler unit 18 for the faux fire effect, thus enabling a consistent faux flame 79 for varying conditions.

[0027] Fireplace 10 includes an auxiliary heater 112 configured to generate heat and augment the heat produced by the steam emitted from manifold 16. Power to the heater 112 is provided via conductors 114 and is controlled by microcontroller 94, which is also controllable by the user via the user interface 98 and/or remote control 100. The auxiliary heater 112 uses a dedicated 20 Amp branch circuit separate from the rest of the fireplace 10 power, and the heater does not draw more than 16 Amps.

[0028] The optional auxiliary heater assembly includes its own dedicated thermal safety cutoff switch located adjacent to the heater assembly. The thermal safety switch senses if the enclosure exceeds 162 degrees F (72 C). A thermal safety switch interrupts power to the auxiliary heater. The thermal switch is resettable type and serviceable.

[0029] The fireplace has a water leak sensor 114. Sensor 114 is mounted in the bottom reservoir such that the unexpected presence of water triggers an audio alarm. The MC circuit board 92 enters Service Mode, displaying the "Contact Service" screen and the fault code associated with a leak.

[0030] Referring to Figure 10A and 10B, the control electronics 22 including microcontroller 94 control and operate the fireplace 10 using the operational flowchart (algorithm) 120 shown. Warm-up time of fireplace 20 from a standby mode to a ready mode is 1-3 minutes depending on the power up conditions.

User Interface

[0031] The fireplace 10 provides as standard, a user display, a manual keypad interface and a wireless remote control interface 100.

[0032] User Display: An industry standard form factor custom 4.3" LCD display 98 is mounted in a recessed location in the lower right hand corner in front of the glass firebox viewing window (Figure 2B).

[0033] User Display Features: The user display 98 functions per the operational flowchart 120 (Figure 11) with features as follows:

• The user display 98 is mounted in a mechanical "carriage mechanism" (Figure 2B) that allows the user to:

  ▪ Push down to release and allow viewing of the entire display.

  ▪ Push down to latch and hide the display from view (the normal operation position).

• While the system is in Warm Up mode, the initializing icon indicates progress and the text "Initializing... Please Standby" is displayed ("A" in Figure 11). A countdown timer displays time remaining ("B" in Figure 11).
• When the system is at operating pressure and the timer expires (displays all zeros), the initializing icon and the text "Initializing... Please Standby" are no longer displayed and the text "Ready" is displayed.
• When there is an "Alert" Condition and the system is in Service Mode (refer to the Operation Flow Chart), the Alert LED on the keypad flashes ("C" in Figure 11). The user then knows to push down to release and allow viewing to the entire display.
  • When the water tank is low, the water icon and the text prompt "Add Water" is displayed ("D" in Figure 11).
  • When the amount of accumulated hours reaches a threshold, the filter icon displays along with the text prompt "Change Water Filter" ("E" in Figure 11).
  • If the viewing Window glass door is open, the fireplace will not operate and the window icon and the text "Viewing Window Open" is displayed ("F" in Figure 11).
  • When the built-in test detects a fault, the Service Icon and the text prompt "Contact Service" is displayed, along with the fault code(s) ("G" in Figure 11). If there is more than one fault, the display slowly cycles through all the applicable codes.
  • When the User adjust the flame height, intensity, or auxiliary heat up or down, the relevant text displays and the associated select indicator advances ("H" in Figure 11).
  • A run timer ("1" in Figure 11) displays the total number of hours that the steam subsystem has been operating since installation. This information is used primarily for tracking purposes and interaction with technical support.
  • The Display includes the Modern Flames logo ("J" in Figure 11). The logo is displayed continuously when the Display is powered up.

[0034] Keypad: A tact switch user interface keypad, with the arrangement as shown in Figure 12, is located at the bottom right of the Viewing Window frame.

[0035] Remote Control: A simple custom Infrared-type remote 100 is provided. The remote control 100 implements the same functionality as the keypad and provides for wireless same room direct line-of-sight fireplace operation.

Steam Fireplace Feature Set

[0036] 

• Unprecedented realism in a simulated flame
  ∘ 3-dimensional natural random flame
• High quality/high-end construction
  ∘ Utilizes superior materials and finishes that are configurable to complement any room decor.
• Economical:
  ∘ Lower cost to purchase, lower cost to install, lower cost of use in comparison to gas fireplaces.
• Dependable & Serviceable:

  ∘ Comparable to gas fireplaces

  ∘ Steam generation subassembly is removable/replaceable

  ∘ Expected service life of 20 years

• Easy-to- Use Controls

  ∘ LCD User display: Displays settings, status, and user guidance.

  ∘ Keypad: Allows operation without a remote control.

  ∘ Remote Control: Wireless "TV" type of remote (Infrared technology).

  ∘ Mobile Phone App "Ready"

  ▪ Electronics design supports connectivity via wireless control network (ZigBee protocol).

  ▪ Allows control via a mobile smart phone app

  ∘ Controllable Features:

  ▪ Fireplace On/Off

  ▪ Flame Height: User may adjust the flame height (6" - 12")

  ▪ Flame intensity: User may adjust flame effect light source from low to high.

  ▪ Auxiliary Heat On/Off and Temperature Increase/Decrease

• Ease of installation

  ∘ Zero clearance for built-in appearance: Allows for framing and finishing of wall material right up to the opening of the fireplace (no surrounding bezel)

  ▪ Allows for finishing with different thicknesses of building materials, such as drywall, stone, tile, etc.

  ∘ Utilizes a standard dedicated 110-120 VAC @ 60Hz 20A circuit.

  ∘ Built-in Water Reservoir: Allows for 10 hours of continuous use without refilling. May be manually refilled for installations where no plumbed water source is present.

  ∘ Optional plumbed water source: utilizes a standard "ice-maker" type of connection.

  ∘ Integrated water filter system:

  ▪ Ensures clean operation and full rated product life.

  ▪ User Display prompt when replacement is needed

• Available in two standard sizes (42", 60")
• Heats and humidifies the room:

  ∘ Produces pleasant room warming heat and desirable humidity as a byproduct of steam production.

  ∘ Auxiliary heater unit provides additional warmth for cold climate installations.

• Firebox Liner: the inside of the firebox is designed to accept various decorator liners.
• Faux log set
  ∘ LED lighting provides realistic lit logs and glowing embers effect

Claims

1. A steam-based faux fireplace (10), comprising:

a reservoir (40) configured to hold a fluid;

a manifold (16) having a first input configured to receive the fluid from the reservoir (40) and a first output, wherein the manifold has a first conduit (46) extending from the first input to the first output such that heat of the manifold (16) is coupled to the fluid communicating through the first conduit (46);

a boiler (20) configured to receive the fluid from the first output, the boiler configured to heat the fluid and generate steam; and

wherein the manifold (16) has a second input configured to receive the steam from the boiler, the manifold having a second conduit (52) extending from the second input to the second output, the second output configured to expel the steam, and also direct the expelled steam.

2. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 1, wherein the manifold (16) is elongated and the first conduit (46) extends along a length of the manifold.

3. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 2, wherein the first conduit (46) extends from a first end of the manifold to an opposite second end of the manifold, and then back from the second end to the first end.

4. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 1, wherein the manifold second input is proximate a midsection of the manifold, further comprising a first passageway (76) extending from the second input to a manifold first end, and a second passageway (76) extending from the second input to an opposite second end of the manifold.

5. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 4, further comprising a third passageway (60, 62) extending between the boiler (20) and the manifold second input, wherein the third passageway (60, 62) extends upwardly from the manifold second input such that liquid does not puddle in the third passageway.

6. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 1, wherein the manifold (16) is comprised of a heat conducting material.

7. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 6, wherein the conduit (46) is formed integral to the manifold (16).

8. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 1, further comprising a deflector (70) positioned opposite the manifold second output and configured to receive the directed emitted steam from the manifold such that the steam billows about the deflector.

9. The steam-based faux fireplace as specified in Claim 8, wherein the deflector (70)is physically connected to the manifold.

Ansprüche

1. Kamin-Imitat (10) auf Dampfbasis, umfassend:

ein Reservoir (40), das dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Fluid zu halten;

einen Verteiler (16) mit einem ersten Eingang, der dazu konfiguriert ist, das Fluid von dem Reservoir (40) aufzunehmen, und einem ersten Ausgang, wobei der Verteiler eine erste Leitung (46) aufweist, die sich von dem ersten Eingang zu dem ersten Ausgang erstreckt, so dass Wärme von dem Verteiler (16) mit dem Fluid, das durch die erste Leitung (46) übertragen wird, gekoppelt wird;

einen Erhitzer (20), der dazu konfiguriert ist, das Fluid von dem ersten Ausgang aufzunehmen, wobei der Erhitzer dazu konfiguriert ist, das Fluid zu erhitzen und Dampf zu erzeugen; und

wobei der Verteiler (16) einen zweiten Eingang aufweist, der dazu konfiguriert ist, den Dampf von dem Erhitzer aufzunehmen, wobei der Verteiler eine zweite Leitung (52) aufweist, die sich von dem zweiten Eingang zu dem zweiten Ausgang erstreckt, wobei der zweite Ausgang dazu konfiguriert ist, den Dampf auszustoßen und zudem den ausgestoßenen Dampf zu lenken.

2. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Verteiler (16) länglich ist und die erste Leitung (46) sich entlang einer Länge des Verteilers erstreckt.

3. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 2, wobei die erste Leitung (46) sich von einem ersten Ende des Verteilers zu einem entgegengesetzten zweiten Ende des Verteilers und dann zurück von dem zweiten Ende zu dem ersten Ende erstreckt.

4. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 1, wobei der zweite Verteilereingang nahe einem Mittelteil des Verteilers ist, weiterhin umfassend einen ersten Durchtritt (76), der sich von dem zweiten Eingang zu einem ersten Verteilerende erstreckt, und einen zweiten Durchtritt (76), der sich von dem zweiten Eingang zu einem entgegengesetzten zweiten Ende des Verteilers erstreckt.

5. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 4, weiterhin umfassend einen dritten Durchtritt (60, 62), der sich zwischen dem Erhitzer (20) und dem zweiten Verteilereingang erstreckt, wobei der dritte Durchtritt (60, 62) sich nach oben von dem zweiten Verteilereingang erstreckt, so dass Flüssigkeit sich nicht in dem dritten Durchtritt ansammelt.

6. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Verteiler (16) aus einem wärmeleitenden Material besteht.

7. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Leitung (46) integral mit dem Verteiler (16) ausgebildet ist.

8. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 1, weiterhin umfassend einen Ableiter (70), der gegenüber dem zweiten Verteilerausgang positioniert ist und dazu konfiguriert ist, den gelenkten abgegebenen Dampf von dem Verteiler aufzunehmen, so dass der Dampf um den Ableiter wabert.

9. Kamin-Imitat auf Dampfbasis nach Anspruch 8, wobei der Ableiter (70) physisch mit dem Verteiler verbunden ist.

Revendications

1. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur (10), comportant :

un réservoir (40) configuré pour contenir un fluide ;

un collecteur (16) ayant une première entrée configurée pour recevoir le fluide en provenance du réservoir (40) et une première sortie, dans laquelle le collecteur a un premier conduit (46) s'étendant depuis la première entrée jusqu'à la première sortie de telle sorte que la chaleur du collecteur (16) est accouplée au fluide communiquant au travers du premier conduit (46) ;

une chaudière (20) configurée pour recevoir le fluide en provenance de la première sortie, la chaudière étant configurée pour chauffer le fluide et générer de la vapeur ; et

dans laquelle le collecteur (16) a une deuxième entrée configurée pour recevoir la vapeur en provenance de la chaudière, le collecteur ayant un deuxième conduit (52) s'étendant depuis la deuxième entrée jusqu'à la deuxième sortie, la deuxième sortie étant configurée pour expulser la vapeur, et pour également diriger la vapeur expulsée.

2. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le collecteur (16) est allongé et le premier conduit (46) s'étend le long d'une longueur du collecteur.

3. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle le premier conduit (46) s'étend depuis une première extrémité du collecteur jusqu'à une deuxième extrémité opposée du collecteur, et puis de retour depuis la deuxième extrémité jusqu'à la première extrémité.

4. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle la deuxième entrée du collecteur se trouve à proximité d'une section intermédiaire du collecteur, comportant par ailleurs une première voie de passage (76) s'étendant depuis la deuxième entrée jusqu'à une première extrémité du collecteur, et une deuxième voie de passage (76) s'étendant depuis la deuxième entrée jusqu'à une deuxième extrémité opposée du collecteur.

5. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 4, comportant par ailleurs une troisième voie de passage (60, 62) s'étendant entre la chaudière (20) et la deuxième entrée du collecteur, dans laquelle la troisième voie de passage (60, 62) s'étend vers le haut depuis la deuxième entrée du collecteur de telle sorte que le liquide ne forme pas de flaque dans la troisième voie de passage.

6. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le collecteur (16) est constitué d'un matériau thermoconducteur.

7. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle le conduit (46) est formé d'un seul tenant avec le collecteur (16).

8. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 1, comportant par ailleurs un déflecteur (70) positionné à l'opposé de la deuxième sortie du collecteur et configuré pour recevoir la vapeur émise dirigée en provenance du collecteur de telle sorte que la vapeur tournoie autour du déflecteur.

9. Fausse cheminée à base de vapeur selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle le déflecteur (70) est raccordé physiquement au collecteur.

Drawing